Original subtitles

Episode 22

Did you really think

that I offered my loyalty to you?

Wake up, Your Majesty!

The nation had to go through the war

that was all your fault.

It happened because someone who wasn't fit to be king was sitting on the throne!

That's why I was going to become King!

Subtitles brought to you by The Face Readers @ Viki

As soon as the day breaks,

take off his head.

Yes, Your Majesty!

Teacher...

Your Highness.

Please...

forgive me for not being able to protect you anymore.

Please...

forgive my disloyalty.

How could you say that?

You can't.

You can't, Teacher!

All my life,

I've served His Majesty.

His Majesty...

is truly an unlucky person.

You're the only one...

who can protect His Majesty.

Your Highness...

the heart...

can change the face.

Your Highness...

Please...

become a sage king.

Teacher...

Teacher...

Teacher!

Chief Eunuch...

Your Majesty!

Chief Eunuch has just passed away.

Please hurry and hide.

The queen has found a hideout for you.

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

A prisoner has escaped! A prisoner has escaped!

What?!

Father, we've looked everywhere for Kim Do Chi the last few days

but there's no trace of him anywhere in the city.

No...

I should have killed him right then and there.

I regret that I didn't kill him right away.

I'll travel to the ends of the earth

and catch him.

If you need soldiers, I'll give them to you.

You must capture him.

Yes, Father!

There's something I need to give to you, so I've been waiting.

Before Chief Eunuch passed away,

he left this book in my care.

I was supposed to give this to you.

What is this?

It's The Manual of the King's Face.

The Manual of the King's Face?

[The Manual of the King's Face]

So The Manual of the King's Face did not disappear.

Your Highness, since you have obtained a book that can read peoples' hearts...

as of now, why don't you use this book to unveil and create your new world.

That is what the Chief Eunuch wanted you to fulfill.

You're right.

This, will help me to not lose focus.

I...

will have no other excuses to come and visit you, anymore.

Therefore, you must put your sadness behind you and stand steadfast.

I will do that.

I promise.

[The Manual of the King's Face]

6 Years Later Year: 1608, 41st year of King Seonjo's Reign (Note: He ascended the throne at age 16)

Are you okay?

Yes, Hyungnim.

Yi Ui Future Grand Prince Yeong Chang

I'm sorry, Crown Prince.

Were you on your way to taking the Grand Prince baby to His Majesty?

Yes, sir.

I will take him.

Yes, sir.

Everyone, please leave now.

I've been sick and bed ridden for so long...

I am truly embarrassed in front of you.

You're still very young...

but, you're always next to a sick person. Isn't it difficult for you?

Yes, indeed it's difficult for me.

Therefore, please get better and get out of bed.

Didn't you promise to take me to the hot springs next time?

Yes.

I did promise you that.

I'll not deny the promise that I made with you. How can I?

Very soon, I'll feel better and get up.

Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Grand Prince are here.

Yes, let them in.

Father!

Oh my!

Our filial son, Ui is here.

Indeed, were you not cold on your way over here?

I wasn't cold at all. I'm a man.

Yes, you're certainly a man.

Swiftly, grow up healthy.

Crown Prince...

Nowadays, it's even hard for me to take care of my own body.

I don't have enough strength for the king's duties.

I've given it some thought and while you, who are fully grown, are always next to me,

it's not necessary for me to waste my energy to protect my throne, here.

Therefore, I'm going to put down all of my heavy burdens...

to abdicate my throne as the King.

Royal Father, I am still lacking in many ways.

How can I be on the throne instead of you?

Please take back that embarrassing statement.

Ga Hee, what should I do?

The Crown Prince will not take the burden from me.

This old man will have to do the hard work.

Your Majesty, are you alright?

Royal Father.

Crown Prince, I'm very sorry but please leave now.

His Majesty must get a full rest.

I understand and I'll do that.

The Crown Prince is only here, because he is worried about his father.

So, why are you being so cold hearted and unwelcoming to him?

Please forgive me, for speaking out of place.

I was rude to him because it's more important that you recover completely.

Chamui (secretary) Heo!

Prime Minister.

Are you again headed to the East Palace (Crown Prince's quarters)?

Everyone in Joseon knows me as the Crown Prince's right hand man.

Heo Gyoon Councillor in the Ministry of Justice

Yoo Soong, Chief State Councilor (Prime Minister)

Prime Minister, you're headed to the Queen's Quarters, right?

Lately, with the Queen's side of people,

I have heard that it's been quite lucrative for collecting money.

I have heard that it's quite enjoyable.

Please, share any good information with me as well.

Hey, hey, man!

What are you talking about right now?!

That ... that rotten bastard!

Secretary Heo, what are you saying?

The Prime Minister and Smaller Northern faction has partnered with the Queen.

You realize they're planning to put the Grand Prince on the throne, don't you?

That was to be expected when our current Queen got chosen.

And when the baby prince was born.

Therefore, you'd like me to think of a 3 year old brother as my arch enemy?

To attack him first?

Ever since Cheif Eunuch passed away,

Your Highness has changed.

You're worried that someone close to you will be sacrificed, again.

Does that scare you?

What?

Crown Prince.

If you're worried about losing someone,

to the contrary, you'll not be able to protect ANYONE!

I, will take my leave now.

Secretary Heo.

I'm aware you've been calling people to have meetings.

Be careful.

Please don't worry.

Your Highness.

Did Lord Heo say something wrong again?

What happened with the matter you went to investigate? What did you find out?

Yes, Your Highness.

It was the truth.

Most recently, Kim Do Chi has appeared in the capital again.

We have to catch him!

Yes, Your Highness.

For him to have the audacity to roam around the capital like that,

there are certainly some people that are watching his back.

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Finally, I have found the evidence to put the Crown Prince into exile!

Now, it's only a matter of time before my son becomes the next heir to the throne!

For sure, I, Kim Do Chi

will send Prince Gwang Hae into exile and...

put the baby prince on the throne.

Royal Queen, the Prime Minister is here.

Send him in.

Royal Queen.

Prime Minister, welcome.

Yes.

Very soon, we'll be able to send the Crown Prince into exile.

Crucial evidence for that will be revealed.

What type of evidence is that?

I'm not sure yet.

Prime Minister, do a meticulous job of taking care of your surroundings.

Yes.

As soon as the evidence surfaces, everyone

will have to push him into an exile.

Of course.

We're already planning to remove Crown Prince Gwang Hae's title

and to put your next of kin, baby prince

as the new king. That movement has been going on for a long time.

Consort Concubine Inn Bin,

the Royal Queen's movements seem very troubling lately.

Yi San Hae, Prime Minister 1590-1592, 1600-1602, Chief Scholar, Head of the Great Northern Faction.

Of course, that is the case.

That wench's eyes are on fire and she is trying to depose the Crown Prince.

I know it very well.

Royal Consort Concubine In Bin Kim

However, it will never happen.

The Crown Prince, what kind of person is he?

We did all kinds of despicable things to bring him down, but

he didn't even move the slightest bit. He is a mighty one!

But, Mother,

don't take her as an easy oppenent, just because of her young age.

In a very short period of time, she has managed to coax not only the Prime Minister and many other high ranking officials.

to put herself in charge of the capital merchants' management right in the palm of her own hand.

As if...

I'm seeing Kim Do Chi.

Kim Do Chi?!

Don't even mention his name.

Right now, we must help the Crown Prince with all our energy.

The Crown Prince is our only shield.

The one who survives until the end is the one who wins.

Do you understand?

Yes, Mother. I will remember it always.

-Who are you? -I'm from the Ham Village.

Today, I have summoned all of you

because we can not sit back and watch anymore

the commission of atrocities under the direction of the Queen

in order that Grand Prince Yeong Chang ascend to the crown prince's position.

Before their brutality gets any worse,

while a petition to the king is being raised,

shouldn't we call for the abdication in a hurry?

What you say is correct.

It is appropriate that even the king himself should favor

the abdication of someone who has been bedridden.

But mentioning abdication could put you into a conspiracy to commit treason.

The Smaller Nothern Faction supporting Grand Prince Yeong Chang over the Crown Prince

will brand us with treason.

Before that we should play our winning cards first.

That is we must defend the Crown Prince and

that is the path to our survival.

Are you saying that the Greater Northern Faction who supports

the Crown Prince were all gathered at Heo Gyun's home?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Seizing the moment created by your indisposition

they are going to demand your abdication in favor of the Crown Prince.

Abdication?

Gradually I am getting to see what is being done

in support of the Crown Prince.

Chief Guard.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You are well aware of the reason that I made you the Chief Guard

even though I knew you were the member of the Daedong Society, but I turned a blind eye.

Of course, Your Majesty.

My indenity was exposed but my life was saved and I was appointed to this position.

It's all thanks to you.

I will give my life for your grace.

No matter how I once saved you...

weren't you one of the Crown Prince's people?

You are the one who saved me.

If so...

immediately go and arrest them.

Did you say immediately?

Yes.

Right now.

Yes, you must do that.

We will trust you.

Please support the abdication.

Everyone run quickly. Hurry!

Sires ... this way!

Halt!

Seize them!

Lord!

Lord!

Chief Guard, whom I believed to be the most loyal to the Crown Prince,

you betrayed him when you received the Chief Guard position.

Will you now strike me?

It is a royal command.

Your Highness.

What's happened? What conspiracy!

It's a setup.

Our activities were being spied on.

That's why I told you be on your guard always!

Rather than helping you I have actually put manacles on your ankles.

I am so sorry, Your Highness.

The King approaches.

Royal Father.

Why are you so surprised to see me?

I am not.

My joy in seeing that you are recovered is boundless.

A conspiracy has risen. Shouldn't I get up even if I'm sick?

A conspiracy?

Not at all, Royal Father.

Biography of Hong Gil Dong (Editor's note: Korean "Robin Hood" )

This is the book

which Ministry of Justice Councillor Heo Gyun wrote. He's close to you.

In this book the details of the author's insolent treacherous schemes are revealed.

What are you doing?

Won't you hurry and begin the investigation?

That person only lets his character judge his actions.

I knew that he will cause a problem like this.

Please make a move.

For a long time His Majesty has been swinging his sword.

He's not going to stop after he kills Heo Gyoon.

Of course, he is going to get rid of me.

My Lord.

I'm saying that staying still and doing nothing

isn't the best way to survive.

Yes, I know.

If we aren't careful, our Greater Northern Faction (split off from the Northern Faction)

and I could die. (Greater Norther Faction supported Crown Prince Kwang Hae.)

As soon as the day brightens tomorrow,

I will request to see His Majesty in private.

But before that, you must promise me something.

You must...

keep your position as the Crown Prince.

I've been the Crown Prince for 16 years, since my investiture at 18.

I lived through many hardships.

I am not letting anyone take over.

So Heo Gyoon and his fellows, who were arrested for conspiracy, committed no sin?

No, Your Majesty.

Saving Heo Gyoon means

that you will protect the Crown Prince.

Since when did you become the Crown Prince's man?

How can you say that, Your Majesty?

I am only your person.

But thinking about the future of this land,

for the past sixteen years,

I believe that it is right for

him, who did many deeds as the Crown Prince

to keep that position.

Your Maejsty! Please let these people, who were blamed for something they did not commit, go!

Please let them go!

Please let go of the young officers and Heo Gyoon.

They did not commit any sin.

His Majesty, The Tale of Hong Gil Dong doesn't support a cause to commit treason against you.

His Majesty, please reconsider!

Not justifiable? That book is full of conspiring thoughts and corrupted ideologies!

Your Majesty, I also read the book,

I couldn't find where the content advocated treason against Your Majesty.

It's just a story, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, please reconsider!

Then, will all of you be satisfied if I just bring the proof of intent to commit treason?

Then will you all shut your mouths?

The scholars all rushed into the king's quarters to say that it wasn't treason.

I think the Head Scholar is leading the pack.

We've received a message of the Jurchen commander coming to the capital, very soon.

Now that you mention it, it seems as though the Jurchens have predicated the current outcome.

You can also tell by how they offered to help me, as soon as the direct heir was born in Joseon.

Your Highness, what are you going to do?

Are you going to accept their offer?

I'm not out of my mind enough to take in another country's army just to secure my position.

However, to maintain a peaceful diplomatic relationship with the Jurchens, I must represent myself well with Nurhachi.

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You're here.

Yes, you worked hard in this land alone.

I provided a room that you can stay in. Please come this way.

It's very strange.

Even if it's been six years,

how are you full of thirst for blood?

How dare you betray me?

I captured him.

I waited a long time for you to come back to Joseon.

Long ago, Nurhaci gave you a secret order, right?

To kill the King and set the Shining Sea (Gwang Hae) up?

Also, Prince Gwang Hae is keeping the secret letter. Am I right?

Finally, I'll be able to complete my grand plan because of you barbarians.

Ga Hee.

Did you also read the Biography of Hong Gil Dong?

I never read it, but I heard that it is a sinful book.

Your Majesty, it's the Chief of Royal Guards.

Come in.

Your Majesty, you need to come outside.

What happened?

Is it him? A Jurchen who was abandoned in front of the palace gate?

Yes, Your Majesty.

This is a letter that he was holding.

Your Majesty.

I'm just a commoner who resides in the capital. Nevertheless, there is something that I need to tell you.

I hope to tell you secretly.

This Jurchen, which is offered to you,

is the evidence of what I have to say now.

Were you guys on the same side as the Crown Prince?

Take this rascal to the Royal Judiciary Office.

The Crown Prince just went outside the palace a few moments ago.

Outside the palace?

Is it the day you decided to meet him?

Yes, Your Highness. I heard yesterday that he is coming to the capital city.

I will go out and take a look.

No. He must be late.

Let's just wait a little longer.

Yes.

Lady Kim!

Are you okay?

Did you come here because you were worried about me?

I came here because I have something to ask you.

Is the Crown Prince still communicating with the Jurchens?

Why are you asking me that?

At dawn, a bound Jurchen was in front of the palace gates.

Someone did that on purpose. There was even a letter.

I don't know what the letter is about, but the king asked if he is on the same side as the Crown Prince.

I knew that this would happen. I told him that

he needs to put that item in a more safe place.

What do you mean the item?

Listen to what I say to you, very, very carefully.

His Majesty is approaching.

The evidence of the Jurchens trying to assassinate you to put the Crown Prince on the throne instead

the secret letter from Nurhaci, is in the Crown Prince's possession.

Is it true that you bastards wanted to kill me to put the Crown Prince on the throne?

Did the Crown Prince conspire with you, bastards?!

Chief of Royal Guards, go to the Crown Prince's quarters, immediately

and find the evidence of treason!

Yes, Your Majesty.

There is a secret letter that I took from the Jurchens, six years ago.

"To kill the King of Joseon and set the Shining Sea up."

The Jurchens insisted for the Crown Prince to keep it as a token of our future relationship with them.

That's the reason why the Crown Prince kept it.

If that gets in the hands of His Majesty, everything is doomed!

Hey there...

Is this the secret letter that you're talking about?

Yes, this surely is the Manchurian alphabet.

I will keep this item.

By doing that, what if you get caught by His Majesty?

It's not like I can carelessly get rid of this item.

So, in a way, I think it'll be safer in my possession.

The royal guards are rushing in, right now!

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Jeong Won, what brings you to this place?

Are you here to see me?

I came here because I thought maybe you might be here.

I'm glad that my coming here isn't going to be in vain.

I didn't know that you would go so far as a secret investigation of me.

By the way, is it a Jurchen whom you are waiting for here?

What are you talking about?

Out of the blue, why are you mentioning a Jurchen?

A Jurchen is being investigated in the Royal Judiciary Office, right now.

The palace has turned upside down.

What?!

By chance, I'm here because I was thinking that you may be waiting for that fellow.

That is why I'm here.

You can't be this relaxed, right now.

Royal Father, I've heard that a Jurchen is being investigated in the Royal Judiciary Office.

Royal Father, you're having a huge misunderstanding, right now.

Even from a while back, I've sometimes heard of rumors of you plotting something against this sick and bedridden father.

That you were having malicious thoughts. I have heard it on a few occssions.

I ... don't have those kinds of thoughts.

I believe that you did indeed plot with the Jurchens intending to commit treason.

Royal Father, Heavens forbid! That, that is not the truth! Never!

The Jurchen person you were going to meet is now at the Royal Judiciary Office.

He's already admitted everything.

I will soon have in my hands Nurhachi's secret order which is in your possession.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Why are you empty-handed? Didn't you bring the secret order?

I thoroughly searched the Crown Prince's palace but

I couldn't find any.

What? Couldn't find any?

But...

Spit it out.

When the Royal Guards arrived

Hwayookak's Lady Kim was seen leaving the Crown Princess in a hurry from the East Hall (Crown Prince's quarters).

Is that true?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

What business did you have to go to the East Hall?

The East hall? I did not go there.

Do you know why I put Seo Yong as the Chief of the Royal Guards?

It was because he was in the Righteous Army which was led by Crown Prince with you.

Then the Royal Guard was mistaken when he said he saw you?

I don't understand why he thought he saw me.

I've already told you clearly.

If it is discovered again that the Crown Prince is in your heart,

for the sin of desiring his father's woman, the Crown Prince will have to pay for his sin.

Your Majesty, it is not so.

I've never been a woman who held the Crown Prince in my heart.

At first, I thought so too.

In doing so, even when I saw you sneaking out to meet him,

pretending to be blind, I closed my eyes.

But later, I saw who was in your heart clearly.

That's why I warned you at the time.

That should not have happened again!

I will no longer be a father who tolerates

the Crown Prince lusting after my woman.

Your Majesty! Haven't I told you that the feeling then was only a feeling that I alone had by myself?

The Crown Pirnce knew nothing of the matter.

It's already been a long time since that feeling was discarded.

It had all been forgotten.

It was a fleeting wish which lasted a moment.

I am your woman.

Until now I have lived believing that.

But right now on behalf of the prince aren't you concealing a secret?

If your feeling toward me is sincere,

you will immediately reveal the secret you are hiding for him.

If you disclose the secret to me, then he will not be punished.

But if you don't give the letter to me, the Crown Prince,

he will be punished for the crime of lusting after his father's woman.

Your Majesty!

I won't wait long.

Then, are you saying you gave the secret order to Lady Kim.

There was no alternative.

My Royal Father already knows everything.

Don't go.

Even if her life depends on it, Lady Kim

would never reveal the secret letter.

That's why...

I am saying not to go.

Princess. As it is, she could die. ♬ The closer I get, the more the tears fall ♬

From the very beginning this was planned to depose you. ♬ Even if I extend my hand,♬

So think of a way to overcome this situation. ♬ I cannot reach you. Even if I desire you .. ♬

Rather than Lady Kim, think of yourself first. ♬ ... it can't be fulfilled.. ♬

Think of the tens of thousands of your followers.

♬ Even if it seems like I can reach you, a person like you is far away. ♬

♬ Even if it seems like I can reach you, a person like you is far away. ♬

♬ You are my love, my everything, ♬

♬ Even if it pains me to death ... and my heart is bruised ♬

♬ From a distance, I will always wait for you! ♬

Is Lady Kim still awaiting judgment? ♬ Because of that one word, ♬

Yes, Your Majesty. ♬ I couldn't say to you ♬

♬ Because of that one step that I couldn't take to get closer to you ♬

♬I can see you before my eyes. ♬

♬ As my tears flow down... ♬

♬ I realize that I miss you even more... My love... ♬

Should I really trust you?

The Prince was never in your heart and also you didn't conceal the secret letter?

Am I to believe that too?

Believe me.

Then, even if I immediately kill the prince who plotted treason,

aren't you going to say anything?

How could your pardon someone who plotted treason against you?

That's true.

Besides you, there are many ways to get that

secret letter to come out.

What are you doing? Quickly escort her to her residence and call a royal doctor.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Highness. Ga Hee has gone to her residence now.

The secret still was not revealed.

I think we can get away with it this time.

My father already has decided to depose me.

It will begin now.

As of today, for the crimes of attempting to kill his father and steal the throne together with the foreigners,

Gwang Hae is removed from the position of crown prince.

Crown Princess.

Court Lady Kim, His Majesty issued a royal command that the Crown Prince will be deposed.

Pardon?

Please ... save the Crown Prince.

I know the King listens to whatever you ask.

I beg of you ... please...

Please save the Crown Prince.

The time you've been waiting for has arrived.

The King finally ordered the deposition of the Crown Prince.

How is the Queen doing these days?

You stabbed her in the back. She's not the type to sit and do nothing.

She's just a young girl who just turned 20.

If I let go of her hold

she's nothing more than a paper tiger.

Please don't worry.

So when should we revolt?

That shoudl be the day when the King will depose the Crown Prince.

It's tomorrow.

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider!

Your Majesty, please reconsider your order to depose the Crown Prince!

Please, withdraw your command.

Please reconsider!

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Please reconsider!

Your Majesty, please reconsider your order to depose the Crown Prince!

Please, withdraw your command.

I already said I can't reverse my order, but they're so stubborn.

Ga Hee, what do you think?

I think anyone who covets the king's throne deserves death.

That's right.

-Take them out! -Yes!

Father! Father!

How dare you to touch me?

Let go of me!

Mother! Mother!

How dare you!

Walk them off!

You will be punished by Heaven! I won't forgive you!

Where is the traitor Gwang Hae?

Please reconsider!

I've already told you that it is an impossible matter. Therefore, why are you still causing this much ruckus?

Are you all trying to go against me, who am the King?

I'm prepared to die in order for this request.

How can you depose the Crown Prince without any evidence of treason?

Your Majesty, that must NOT happen!

You have prepared yourself for death?

Then, I'll grant your wish.

Who is willing to die?

You should get out of the palace and prepare for the future!

King Sejong's facial features consisted of a wide forehead and a pronounced nose.

And a prominent chin.

All three facial parts were harmonious, and his eyes resembled that of a dragon.

In fact, that face is the face of a peaceful reign.

It is truly the face of a king.

Your Highness!

Are you going to die just like this?

Do I...

Do I possess the face of a king who isn't meant to be?